Sunday, July 12, 2009

Summer Reading

Today is a perfect day in the Yukon for putting two chairs out on my porch (one for me, one for my feet), a cold drink of water in my cupholder, Charlie Parker tunes dancing out the window into the outside air, and, of course, a hat on my head. (A girl's got to be skin-cancer weary)But what is missing?A book in my lap.I have such fond memories of books I have read in summertime, on the beach, by the pool, at a campsite, on a porch.Here are some of my favourites:- Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (Rebecca Wells), because it reminds us how to have fun, laugh loud and take risks that might--and should!-- get us into trouble. I always finish a chapter wanting to call up a bosom buddy.- A Complicated Kindness (Miriam Toews), because it is fun to read about another kid's summer in the very different realm of strict religious, moral suffocation. A great read, descriptive without being redundant or lengthy.- The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (David Wroblewski), because it teaches us to find our own magic and meaning in the everyday routines of life. Also, the summer adventure, coming-of-age themes play out well when read at a cottage or in the woods.- To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee), because if you've never read it, summer is the best to play along with Scout, Jem and Dill as they learn about human dignity.- The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Mink Kidd), because even if you have no reason to run away from an abusive father with your black housemaid, this story lets you do so through elegant writing. A definite story for anyone needing a reminder of why the relations between women, (family and friends) are complicated, beautiful and essential.